Late last year, the city of Oakwood commissioned a traffic signal study with the primary purpose to develop a long-range plan for major capital improvements to Oakwood’s traffic signal system. The ultimate goal is to create a plan that provides for the safest and most efficient movement of vehicles, pedestrians and other non-vehicle traffic through and around Oakwood.
The study is ongoing and is now heavily focused on the intersection of Far Hills Avenue, Oakwood Avenue and Thruston Boulevard, often referred to as Five Points. The Five Points intersection is the most complex traffic intersection in Oakwood, and its design is central to the safe and efficient movement of traffic through the city. It also has heavy pedestrian traffic at certain times, which requires the safest possible intersection design.
At this point in the study, there is sufficient evidence to consider the construction of a roundabout. There is extensive support from traffic safety studies for building roundabouts, showing that they reduce accidents, particularly serious injury accidents, and improve efficiency of traffic movement. Roundabouts have been constructed in multiple locations around the Miami Valley, throughout Ohio and all around the country.
The next phase of the Oakwood traffic signal study involves creation of videos and other materials that will show in detail how a roundabout design at Five Points would operate. The city will host three open house events to present those videos and other details. They will be held at the Oakwood Community Center from 6-8 pm on Wednesday, June 14, Thursday, June 29 and Tuesday, July 11. In addition to these three events, in late May the city will mail to all Oakwood citizens and businesses detailed information about the Five Points roundabout intersection option, which will include information on how to provide input and feedback.
“Oakwood city leaders will solicit public input on how to best address traffic control at Five Points”, said City Manager Norbert Klopsch. “No decision will be made until a thorough analysis is completed that details the pros and cons of traditional signalization versus a roundabout, and until city leaders receive feedback from the citizens of Oakwood and the general public.”
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT
Norbert S. Klopsch, City Manager
(937) 298-0600
klopsch@oakwoodohio.gov